YOUR VAN BUYING QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Touring inspiration!

We’ve loved receiving all the photos of the

THE BIG SHOT

‘Overlooking the crashing North Atlantic Ocean, the spectacular

★ Star letter ★

Here is a photo of the birthday cake

MILENGO

The contributor of our Star letter wins a

PEAK CONDITION

Work is under way to repair footpaths and

YOU ALSO SAID...

In response to David Pearce’s question about whether

TAKE TO YOUR BIKE THIS SUMMER

Raleigh has put together a guide to the

POINT OF VIEW

Can you name this view in Wales? It’s

READER POLL

Given the chance, would you tour abroad this

Your photos!

EN ROUTE // ON SITE // AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN

This month we love...

ESSENTIAL KIT FOR… AWNING ACTIVITIES// OUTDOOR PLAY // INTERIOR DECOR

Expert Q&A

Got a burning caravanning question? Ask one of our team on the email address below !

Travel

THIS ISSUE WE VISIT… THE LAKE DISTRICT // SOMERSET // WALES // FESTIVALS

EVENTS

New season, new adventures! Here are some great places to add to your itinerary

WOODLAND WONDERS

Janette Sykes renews her romance with the Lake District on a walking break exploring its peaceful and picturesque south-eastern fringe

Snapping the SOMERSET LEVELS

Andria Massey finds plenty to admire in this beautiful part of the country, just perfect for photographers

On the road again

A post-lockdown escape to the beautiful Brecon Beacons reminds Marcus Leach and family just why they love touring

Bewitching BOWL AND

Janette Sykes falls under the spell of magical strolling, sightseeing and local specialities in this hidden highlight of northern England

FESTIVAL FUN

As events start to open up again, you can enjoy music, country life and even jousting at a festival – and your caravan makes a perfect basecamp, says Susan Taylor

10 brilliant FESTIVALS for 2021 touring

As the country starts to open up again, many festivals are preparing for a busy summer. We’ve picked out some of the best that, at the time of publication, will be going ahead this year

WINDSOR

Planning to visit somewhere new? Let the locals give you the lowdown! This month, a royal residence

ROAD SENSE

A272

ASK THE EXPERTS

Simple safety checks MAYDAY UK Breakdown cover here

FUEL STATIONS

1 MEON HUT SERVICE STATION (BP) ■ Where

Tested

REVIEWS // NEWS // INDUSTRY UPDATES

IN THE NEW VAN SECTION…

First look 54 Mink 2.0 Sports Camper

3A’s doubles down

Dealership takes on two new lightweight line-ups

Kent dealer changes hands

A Kent caravan dealership has emerged from lockdown

IN BRIEF

Farewell after 34 years 

MINK

2.0 Sports Camper

WEINSBERG

CaraOne 390 PUH

STAYING SAFE ON TOUR

TOP GADGETS FOR

Industry faces

In our series getting to know the industry’s insiders, Practical Caravan chats with Stuart Craig of Kingfisher

Yorkshire Caravans

Founded in 1931 by car dealer Percy Smith, Yorkshire Caravans of Bawtry celebrates a special anniversary this year. Nigel Hutson takes a personal look back at its history

Business is booming, but stock is scarce

THIS MONTH WE FEATURE… BARGAIN VANS FOR COUPLES // SWIFT CHALLENGER 590

SHOWROOM STARS COUPLES’ VANS

If there’s just the two of you on tour, there’s a wide range of models to choose from. Here are some of our favourite pre-owned bargain buys

SWIFT CHALLENGER 590 LUX PACK (2017)

This spacious six-berth offers comfortable family touring, says Andrew Jenkinson

Tow cars

THIS MONTH WE’RE TALKING ABOUT… SSANGYONG REXTON // SUZUKI VITARA // VW ARTEON

SSANGYONG REXTON

2.2 DIESEL ULTIMATE

Verdict

★★★☆☆ The updated Rexton is arguably SsangYong’s best

SUZUKI Vitara

We matched the Vitara to a Swift

VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON (2017-PRESENT)

It’s great to see this award-winning tow car on the used market, says Euan Doig

Or you could try…

AUDI A5 Sportback The Audi A5 Sportback shares

Guide to... WALKING

When you’re out on tour, there’s no better

IT’S A SHORE THING

Travel may have been curtailed by the current crisis, but it means we appreciate our beautiful island more than ever. Here’s our celebration of some jaw-dropping coastlines, including where to walk and where to stay!

SAFETY FIRST

Hiking trips make for an enjoyable and challenging pastime, provided you take suitable steps to secure your safety

14 STUNNING SITES FOR TOP WALKS

Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors; here, we’ve selected some brilliant UK sites for getting out and about on foot

EXPLORING MAPS & APPS

Time was, hikers just packed a paper map. Now your phone is your guide! Here, Marcus Leach selects some of the best apps for walking

WHAT TO WEAR

Put your best foot forward and get geared up for the great outdoors, whatever the weather!

Skills School

THIS MONTH WE CHECK OUT… CARAVAN SECURITY// LOADING YOUR VAN

SAFE & SOUNDS

Caravan thefts have been on the rise again, but you can minimise your risk with a few simple steps. John Sootheran shows you how

Kitting out your caravan

One of the many great things about caravanning is being able to take plenty of kit with you – but you do need to be organised! Tony Brown shows you how

TECHNICAL TERMS EXPLAINED

› Kerbweight As defined by EU Directive

Entry level

New to caravanning? These tourers are perfect for you TA Twin-axle ✪ Practical Caravan top pick

Mid-market

More competition here means more choice for you TA Twin-axle ✪ Practical Caravan top pick

Upmarket

Tourers for the discerning buyer 

LAYOUT FINDER UU

This kind of layout is clearly one for

Luxury

Everyone’s getting in on this top-notch market 

HOW TO BUY NEW

Choosing a layout 

Niche

Less widely sold in the UK, or very specialist, but still worth a look 

USEFUL INFO

Caravan and Motorhome Club › 01342 326 944 › thecaravan

IT’S EASIER THAN EVER TO BUY YOUR DREAM CARAVAN!

Find your next tourer taster with our online classifieds- we've hundreds of vans from the UK's biggest dealers waiting for you now

LAYOUT FINDER

J A large end kitchen is not quite

LAYOUT FINDER

TT This family layout is comparatively rare, but